With nearly all the family gathering for Christmas, I am extremely thankful to be able to share in the joy of celebrating our Savior's birth. This year, especially, I am fully aware of my mortality and its relative value in the light of eternity. Jesus took on mortality in human flesh in order that He might die as our sacrifice for sin. We are often slow to give up what we have to help others--Jesus readily gave up even the free exercise of His deity to die for sinners. We hold firmly to our mortality as though it is the only reality--Jesus placed His mortal life into the hands of His loving heavenly Father without reservation, knowing that He would die a cruel death on the cross. Jesus knew that the greater reality is eternity. True holiday joy (true Christmas joy) consists of a proper perspective on all we are and all we have. Christmas is not about what we receive; it is about what we are willing to give up. Joy unspeakable and full of glory willingly gives up everything with eternity's values in view. Christmas, rather than the New Year, is the time for born again Christians to resolve to live as our Savior lived: to the glory of God in service for others, rather than to the glory of self in service to materialism. [12/24/06]

Today is Thanksgiving Day, a day of family and praise to God for His abundant gifts. This Thanksgiving I thank God for life itself. So much has changed in the past month and a half. We sent our younger son off to Iraq and I underwent angioplasty for 90% blockage in the right coronary artery. The two events are unrelated, but both were heart stopping--the latter literally so (the result of medication following the procedure). Family is a special blessing this year, even though only one of four children and two of fourteen grandchildren will be present. Their value to me has just risen. I asked God for more time with my wife, children, and grandchildren and He graciously granted my petition. The Lord has satisfied my years with good things and I look forward to yet one more renewing of my youth like the eagle (Psalm 103:5). Too often we glibly thank God for life and health--my giving of thanks today is not so glib, it is heartfelt.
"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness [loyal love] and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle."
Psalm 103:2-5 (NAU) [11/23/06]

In response to "the Macedonian call" (Acts 16:9), the apostle Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke arrived in the city of Philippi (v. 12). On the sabbath they sought a gathering of Jews and found a group of women meeting alongside the River Gangites at a place for prayer (v. 13). According to the custom in the synagogue, Paul sat down while expounding the Word (cp. Luke 4:20-21). A woman named Lydia responded to Paul's gospel teaching (v. 14) and became the first convert to Christ in Philippi. For many modern day church planters, the situation would have appeared untenable, since there were no men. Paul, however, was not so easily discouraged. He was not like current day pansies who cut and run as soon as they see too many skirts in a potential congregation. The apostle was a man who acted like a man. He took the lead himself and would not be deterred from getting the Philippian church established. His second convert may have been the slave girl who was possessed by a demon (vv. 16-18). Paul still didn't leave town. It did not bother him that the first to respond to the gospel were women. The first male convert would not arise until the magistrates had beaten Paul and Silas and thrown them into prison (vv. 19-34). Now, that might really put off today's less than manly lot who just would not be able to suffer severe persecution in addition to seeing only women in a fledgling church. Interestingly, women would always play a key role in the church at Philippi (Phil 4:2-3). Paul accounted them as those who shared his "struggle in the cause of the gospel" (Phil 4:3). Eventually, the church would gain the male leadership it needed (see Phil 1:1). The problem with church planters today is that they expect to have a mature church like the one in Antioch of Pisidia from the very start of their ministry (see Acts 13:1). However, reality is often very different. May God send out more real men like the apostle Paul, who will not dictate to God what kind of embryo church plant they are willing to lead. There are many Philippis where women's prayer groups are waiting for a truly manly church planter to lead them in planting a church. Instead of beginning with a group of men, these church planters will have to be willing to be the ones to lead men to Christ in order to bring the church to maturity. (And, I suspect that that is part of the problem--a fear of having to pursue men by oneself with no other men for moral support.) Granted, planting a church in a Philippi might not be an easy task, but true men of God don't flinch at such challenges. [9/30/06]

What funny creatures we are. We set our alarms to awaken us at a certain time, then we hit "Snooze" and snuggle back down under our covers and snatch a few more winks only to go through the same interruption time after time after time--until we finally decide we cannot put off rising any longer. How easy it is to be at ease, to be in our little zone of comfort. What would happen if we were to face every morning that way? Think of the wasted time, the loss of opportunities, the missed sunrises, and the thrill of victory. Oh, some are thinking, "Yeah, it's the agony of de feet--I just don't want to get up on them!" According to Jeremiah 48:11, Moab was (is?) at ease, undisturbed, unchanged--like bottled wine carefully set aside in the wine cellar to age. But, God plans to break Moab's bottles and bring her ease to an abrupt end. As with the wicked, so also with the righteous. God sometimes must shake us from our lethargy, pushing us out of our beds of comfort and setting us on our feet. Quit hitting the "Snooze" button on life and service for the Lord. Move out of your comfort zone. Allow God to expand your horizons, experiences, and joys. One day we must all give an account of how we've spent our time. Will we then be shamed like Moab? [9/10/06]

Dad was born November 6, 1921 in Craig, CO and went home to be with his Savior on June 29, 2006 in Denver, CO. He served in World War 2 (Co. A, 157th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Division) with distinction and heroism in North Africa, Sicily, Italy (Anzio beachhead), France, and the Rhineland. Wounded three times in 1944, his active service came to a close in a hospital in Tacoma, WA. He married Mary Jean Holt on April 29, 1945, the very day his Army unit was liberating Dachau. He was honorably discharged July 11, 1945. Dad loved sports, camping, fishing, and arrowhead hunting. He taught me how to play baseball, run in track, fish, and hunt. Before I obtained eye glasses, he would get frustrated if I could not see the eye of a rabbit in the Wyoming sagebrush--and he could always prove the rabbit was there by his dead eye shooting that would bag it for our dinner. For years I dreamed of beating him in fishing a trout stream. It happened only once that I remember--and not that long ago. The greatest legacy he left us was his faith in Christ (he took the lead for his family in that life-changing decision) and his 61 years of marriage to the same woman. He taught us how to live well and how to die well. We miss him dearly.

During the months prior to my father's passing, I had been reading R. Kent Hughes, Genesis: Beginning and Blessing, Preaching the Word (Wheaton IL: Crossway Books, 2004). Just four hours prior to his passing (while I was in Yangon, Myanmar), I read the following on page 323. I share it with all readers who have also lost their fathers.

"Marvin R. O'Connell shares some thoughts by Blaise Pascal, the great mathematician and Christian philosopher, concerning the death of his beloved father:

We who are bereaved by the death of our father will find no 'solid relief' unless we acknowledge that what has occurred is a result 'not of chance, nor of some fatal necessity of nature, nor of the interplay of the elements or parts of the human condition'; it is rather 'an event indispensable, inevitable, just, holy, and useful for the well-being of the Church and for the exaltation of the name and of the glory of God, an intervention of Providence decreed from all eternity to take place in the fulness of time, in such a manner.' What is left for us is 'to unite our will to that of God himself, to will in him, with him, and for him the thing that he has eternally willed in us and for us.'

Pascal thus took comfort in two things: first, that the very year, day, hour, place, and manner of his father's death was a providence lovingly decreed by God from all eternity; and second, he took comfort to his heart as he aligned his will to what God had eternally willed for his father. In doing this, Pascal displayed a profoundly biblical perspective about death and life. It is the same providence-laced perspective that graced Father Abraham's death: 'These are the days of the years of Abraham's life, 175 years. Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people' ([Genesis 25] vv. 7, 8). Abraham's 175 years were metered and measured out by the perfect hand of Providence."

"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints" (Psalm 116:15). [8/15/06]

Personal Spiritual History

This past week I pondered the importance of remembering my own personal spiritual history. Testimonies are a great means of retaining that history and passing it on to others. However, we need to do more than just tell others how we came to Christ and were saved from our sins by faith in His death and resurrection. Psalm 74 is replete with references to the "Song of the Sea" in Exodus 15. Why? Israel's historical experience in the exodus from Egypt helped to stabilize them spiritually. The same God who redeemed them is able to meet their greatest needs in the midst of the worst troubles. The first reason we possess for claiming answers to our prayers is that we have been redeemed by God. We ought never forget the terrible circumstances in which we languished before we were saved by God's grace and power. The history of our personal redemption, like the history of Israel's deliverance from Egypt, is part of the foundation of our ongoing faith and service. God destroyed the most powerful ancient near eastern military force in those days when He returned the waters of the Red Sea back upon Pharaoh and his chariots. Our personal salvation is just such a testimony of a mighty deliverance out of the kingdom of darkness as He transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son. Never forget. Never be silent. Never despair. Never forsake Christ and His Word. Add to your personal spiritual history. Add the testimony of each new deliverance, each new answered prayer, each new impartation of strength in times of deepest distress. Sing of the Lord's power and grace. Such a history will feed your hope. [5/16/06]

If Christ is not risen, we, as Christians, "are of all men most to be pitied" (1 Corinthians 15:19). That thought comes to me every spring as we approach Resurrection Sunday. The Greek word refers to being "miserable" or "pitiable." One dictionary gives the meaning "wretched." How? Why? Well, first of all, the message we preach and the faith we exercise in God are both worthless (verse 14), if Christ has not risen from the dead. In addition to that, instead of being proclaimers of good news, we are actually false witnesses and liars (verse 15), if Christ has not risen. Indeed, we are still under the control of our sins, rather than having been delivered from their penalty and power (verse 17). And, those whose bodies we have buried in the hope of one day seeing them again are annihilated rather than being present with Christ (verse 18). If Christ has not risen from the dead, we will never meet those loved ones again. That's why we would be so wretched. If Christ has not risen, we have absolutely no hope beyond this life with all its toils and miseries, its sufferings and its sorrows, its limitations and its pressures. That is why the gospel is not good news unless it includes the resurrection of Christ. That is why no one can be saved from their sins unless they believe that Christ has risen (verses 1-11). Praise the Lord, He is risen! Our faith and our preaching are not worthless. We have eternal life and we have hope. He is risen! Hallelujah! Amen. [4/14/06]

A Grandparent's Legacy

In my study of Psalm 57 I was impressed by David's use of the clause "in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge" (v. 1, NAU). What impressed me was the fact that Boaz had spoken similar words to Ruth when she came to glean in his field: "the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge" (2:12). David's great-grandparents (Boaz and Ruth) must have recounted over and over again the story of their meeting and the outcome. Their testimony became part of their family legacy to their son Obed, to their grandson Jesse, and, ultimately, to their great-grandson David. Leaving such a personal testimony of God's wonderful grace, leading, and protection is a beautiful legacy. Grandparents need to write out their testimonies. Tell about the entrance of God's grace and salvation into your lives. Write about answered prayer and special guidance. Recount spiritual blessings under special circumstances. Leave behind a spiritual legacy. Every believer has one--none of us has any excuse--the simple account of our salvation from sin is marvelous and miraculous all by itself. In David's time of distress and trouble, as he hid from Saul in the dark recesses of a cave, the testimony of his great-grandparents provided him with the phraseology and the concept of seeking refuge beneath the "wings" of Almighty God. How I desire that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren might receive such a legacy. This thought from Psalm 57:1 has renewed my determination to record the spiritual legacy of the Lord's wonderful salvation by His grace and to write down His many blessings. What kind of legacy are you leaving to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren? No amount of money could have given David the comfort he needed in that dark cave--only the spiritual legacy of his great-grandparents could do so--it directed him to trust in God. Those who have believing grandparents need to inquire about their salvation experience and how God has blessed throughout their lifetimes. Treasure those stories. Praise God for them. Pass them on to future generations. The great-grandparents of David still speak to us today through their great-grandson. [4/3/06]

Chaplain James H. Tilton

On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.
(Psalm 138:3)
The last words we received via email as James headed for San Francisco for a mini officer basic were: "I am fixed on Ps 138:3... which always reminds me of Hal because he was always quoting 138:2b..." Twelve hours later he suffered a coronary as he arose from the dinner table and went to be with the Lord he loved and Hal Kemper [see "Sermons Incarnate," below], whom he admired. He had sworn into the California National Guard on December 3 and commissioned as a first lieutenant--almost an exact year from the time our church had ordained him. It was a dream come true for James. We all called him "Commander" because of his great love and care for our men and women serving in the military. It has been my privilege to know and work with some outstanding men of God. James easily stood among them. In his mid-40s seminary had been a challenge, but James, as with almost everything he did, excelled. In spite of his great abilities, James always maintained a manly humility. Always he exuded a youthful exuberance for everything related to God's Word and ministry. He will be sorely missed here on earth. He leaves to us a challenge that we, too, might be committed to Christ and His Word so that our last words bring attention to God's Word. In loving memory of Lt. James Henry Tilton (1957-2006). [3/25/06]

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Inalienable Rights

How much more self-centered can Americans become? How far will they go in their pursuit of personal "liberties"? Lately I have been struck by the apparent contradiction our society exhibits with regard to its own founding document. The preamble to "The Declaration of Independence" declares that the Creator endowed people "with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Note the order. It is very specific. The priority is on life. Today's Americans are dominated, however, by a belief that happiness is their right as citizens. (Never mind that our founding document cites only the right to pursue, not to possess, happiness.) Notice how highly people regard their own happiness as opposed to the liberties of others. And, when it comes to their liberties, who cares what it does to the lives of others? Take the war on terrorism as an example. People want the happiness of having no war more than they want the liberties of Iraqis. In addition, they want their own liberty not to serve their nation in wartime--who cares if it means more Americans will die here at home, when terrorism comes to our own soil again! Abortion is a similar case in point. Women want their own happiness and liberty no matter if it causes their unborn children to lose their lives--the mother's happiness takes precedence. Indeed, life is the last priority for the secular humanistic society that has permeated America from top to bottom. America needs a reordering of priorities--back to the order in the preamble of "The Declaration of Independence": #1 Life, #2 Liberty, and #3 Pursuit of Happiness. [3/20/06]

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Prophetic Preachers or Preaching Prophets?

What is the essence of prophecy? What makes a prophet? Were OT and NT prophets preachers? Are present day preachers prophets? Too many believers are unclear on this issue and tend to confuse the biblical teaching. Lest the reader misunderstand, let me make something clear: I am not talking about the confusion of the charismatic preachers and theologians. No, I am talking about non-charismatic, evangelical preachers, teachers, and theologians who are either confused or are creating confusion.

It is common for preachers and teachers to employ an oversimplification (sometimes by their own admission) when they define the prior prophets as "foretellers" and the present prophets as "forthtellers." Biblical evidence provides a different picture entirely. First, neither OT nor NT prophets were ever merely "foretellers." In fact, most biblical prophets revealed more about the past and present (relative to their own respective times) than they revealed about the future. Moses is clearly identified as a prophet (Deut 34:10), but the bulk of the divine revelation he imparted dealt with the past (for example, the book of Genesis) and the present (especially most of Deut 5-31). We see glimpses of "foretelling" in Genesis 49 (which contains Jacob's words, not Moses') and Deuteronomy 17-18 and 33. Large sections of both Isaiah and Jeremiah deal with their own time rather than future times.

Both OT and NT Prophets "forthtold" (declared or proclaimed or taught) the prophetic revelation God had granted them. However, that proclamation was distinct from the reception of the revelation. The venerable E. J. Young declared that a biblical prophet was one who "believed that he had been the recipient of an objective revelation. . . . that he had received a message which God had given to him"--My Servants the Prophets (reprint; Grand Rapids, Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1971), 175. He makes the point even more emphatically when he writes, "they actually were the recipients of Divine revelation" (ibid., 176). More recently, Pieter Verhoef observed that a "classical definition of a prophecy was given by Micaiah . . . when he responded . . . : 'As surely as the LORD lives, I can tell him only what the LORD tells me' (1 Kgs 22:14; cf. 2 Chron 18:13)"--"Prophecy," in The New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis, ed. by Willem A. VanGemeren, 4:1071-72 (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1997). He even goes so far as to declare that, in the schools of the prophets in Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho, "the subject matter could not have been to teach the prophets how to become a prophet, how to receive the revelation of God, because the content of their messages as prophets could not be learned, but could only be received" (ibid., 4:1073). So much for equating modern seminaries with schools of the prophets!

The OT prophet was one to whom God revealed Himself in visions or spoke with in dreams (Num 12:6). The prophet is one in whose mouth God has placed His words (Deut 18:18). OT prophets were sometimes sent with a message only regarding the present (Judg 6:8; 1 Sam 22:5; 2 Sam 12:24-25). Some prophecy consisted of divinely revealed songs of praise and thanksgiving (1 Chron 25:3). Peter was crystal clear in writing that "no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (2 Pet 1:21, NAU). This is not a definition of preaching!

According to the NT, prophecy was a gift of the Spirit distinct from the office or function of the pastor-teacher (Eph 4:11). In fact, Paul placed the prophetic gift within the category of the miraculous gifts that have ceased (1 Cor 12:10; 13:8). Paul lays out three categories of temporary gifts by means of the careful placement of heteros for dividing the groups that are internally associated by means of allos in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. He maintains the threefold division meticulously throughout 1 Corinthians 12-14. The careful expositor dare not ignore the apostle's careful distinctions. In addition, it is illogical to identify the gift of pastor-teacher and today's preaching with the NT gift of prophecy. If such an identification should be correct, then preaching and pastor-teacher should have ceased along with the other temporary miraculous gifts. Direct divine revelation has ceased--the Scriptures are now closed. The apostles and prophets were "the foundation" of the church (Eph 2:20), because God was still providing direct revelation throughout the formative decades of the early church. As in the OT, some of that direct revelation was never inscripturated, because it was focused and local (specific to individual churches). With the completion of the NT around A.D. 100, prophecy ceased. There are no more prophets and no more apostles. They are no more because there is no more direct revelation to receive. Ephesians 3:5 ties apostles and prophets to direct divine revelation. When God stopped direct revelation, apostles and prophets also ceased. Today's preachers are not prophets. [3/6/06]

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Boomerang Retribution

Sometimes God's people become overly anxious about the deeds and words of the ungodly. We can obsess over the way they behave, the way our public media presents every form of immorality as either normal or merely the result of physical disease--thus negating personal responsibility. It is time that we rest in the fact that God is in control of this crazy world and where it is going. One day all the actions, inactions, words, and philosophies of the wicked are going to come back upon their own heads. They will be harmed by all that they think is unharmful. Wicked men will be wounded by their own words, pierced by their own arrows, and slain by their own swords. Scripture proclaims in no uncertain terms how the boomerang effect will work:

Psalm 7:15 - He made a pit and dug it out, And has fallen into the ditch which he made. (NKJV)
Psalm 35:8 - Let destruction come upon him unexpectedly, And let his net that he has hidden catch himself, Into that very destruction let him fall.
Psalm 57:6 - They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down; They have dug a pit before me; Into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah.
Psalm 64 brings out the same boomerang effect: The tongue of the wicked works against themselves (v. 8), they shoot arrows unexpectedly at the righteous (v. 4), but God shoots arrows back at them just as unexpectedly (v. 7).

Trust the boomerang effect, brothers and sisters. God ordained the effect and will bring it to pass unerringly, irrevocably. The wicked are doomed and will be destroyed by their own evil devices. Instead of fretting over the apparent success of the wicked, stand firm in your faith and be doers of the Word. Proclaim the gospel as the only means of changing the wicked and snatching them from their own snares and the snare of the evil one. [2/23/06]

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Prima Facie Evidence

In the evidential system of American and British jurisprudence the concept of prima facie (literally, "at first view") evidence is very important. Prima facie evidence is evidence that is sufficient to raise a presumption of fact or to establish the fact in question unless evidence of equal veracity is presented in rebuttal. This evidential system includes the presumption of innocence until proven guilty and the standard that witnesses must present facts, not opinions. In the area of biblical studies such evidential methodology conflicts with the hermeneutics of doubt or the Troelschian principle of skeptical criticism. As Robert Dick Wilson observed, "our text of the Old Testament is presumptively correct, . . . its meaning is on the whole clear and trustworthy" (A Scientific Investigation of the Old Testament, rev. by Edward J. Young [Chicago: Moody Press, 1959], 9).

One of the greatest fallacies students of Scripture can commit is failing to uphold in faith and practice the prima facie nature of biblical evidence. It is fallacious to approach the text with the attitude that it cannot be believed unless corroborated by external evidence. When the student comes upon interpretative problems in the biblical text, he must accept the testimony of the text with a presumption of accuracy. In this day and age many evangelicals are abandoning this presumption of accuracy, even while they sign annually the declaration of biblical inerrancy to remain members of the Evangelical Theological Society. Such actions are self-contradictory. Any evangelical who ignores or denies the prima facie status of the Scriptures--even marginally--will eventually deny inerrancy or seek to modify the definition of inerrancy, in order to accomodate his theological slippage. Inerrancy is still the primary battleground in evangelical circles. From neo-theism to the new perspective on Paul, every doctrinal aberration is, at its roots, an attack on biblical authority and inerrancy. Seminaries and Bible colleges must be alert for even the subtlest revisions in biblical interpretation. Failure to be vigilant can result in the ultimate demise of those institutions and the churches that their graduates pastor. Brethren, may God find us faithful. [2/16/06]

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God's Treasures

"Yet a man has risen to pursue you and seek your life, but the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living with the LORD your God; and the lives of your enemies He shall sling out, as from the pocket of a sling."--1 Samuel 25:29 (NKJV)

On the other side of the world from my boyhood home I waited while an old man tugged at the knot in the waist of his faded lunghi, a one-piece skirtlike garment for men. Childhood memories flooded my mind. (My mother would tie a few coins into the corner of my handkerchief when I was a small boy. She put them in the handkerchief to reduce the potential that I might lose them before lunchtime at school.) The old man's gnarled fingers worked till the knot was sufficiently loosened. Out came small coins (yes, just as in my boyhood memories!), a tiny box of wooden matches, and two old rusty keys. These were his treasures.

In ancient Palestine men used the fold of a garment in much the same fashion. When Abigail blessed David (1 Samuel 25:29), she borrowed from that cultural practice in order to share with him a tender picture of God's care. On the streets of Chittagong, Bangladesh, I finally realized what Abigail meant and what David understood.

The Revised English Bible makes the picture more explicit than most translations of 1 Samuel 25:29: "the LORD your God will wrap your life up and put it with his own treasure." As God cared for and guarded David, He cares for all His people. As believers we are God's treasure. (A verse comes to mind: "'They shall be mine,' says the LORD of hosts, 'On the day that I make them my jewels," Malachi 3:17 [NKJV].) Both Israel (Exodus 19:5-6) and the church (1 Peter 2:9) are God's treasured possessions. Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ, He cares for us and keeps us close as though in the folds of His own garment. It is a picture that rivals that of a hen gathering her chicks beneath her wings to protect them.

Thank God for His tender loving care for each and everyone of us. Lord, help me to realize my worth to You and the worth of those around me. And, together with that thought, make me realize how unworthy I am to be one of Your treasures. [2/13/06]

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Lost Battle, Lost Box

Stop and think about it: the effect of one family's sins can have serious ramifications on that family and may even have an unwanted impact upon an entire nation. Let's take a look at 1 Samuel 4:1-11 with its account of the Philistines capturing the ark of God.

The Lost Battle (vv. 1-3): The chapter picks up where 3:18 left off in the account of what was happening to Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. It is time for God to fulfill the prophecy He had revealed to young Samuel (3:11-14). He employed the occasion of a Philistine encroachment upon Israel's territory. In the ensuing battle 4,000 Israelites perished. In desperation the elders of Israel sought a solution to this problem. In the end, they decided that the ark of the covenant needed to be present on the battlefield. Perhaps they reasoned that it was the best way to insure that God would take their side in the fight. Fearful of further casualties, the army of Israel looked to the one visible symbol of God's power that they possessed: the gold-covered box known as the ark of the covenant. The ark represented the presence of God, since He had said that He would appear above the cherubim on the lid of the ark (Lev 16:2). Perhaps they were remembering that the waters of the Jordan divided as soon as the carriers of the ark placed their feet in the water (Josh 3:14-17). Surely such power would benefit their cause against the Philistines.

The Lost Box (vv. 4-11): When the conflict with the Philistines resumed, the Israelites brought the ark of God with them. Eli's two sons were with the ark, since they were its custodians. With the arrival of the ark of the covenant, Israeli soldiers' morale was at an all time high in their camp. They assumed that they could now defeat the Philistines. Interestingly, the Philistines assumed the same thing when they heard the uproar in the Israelites' camp. However, God had other plans. He purposed to bring about the deaths of Eli's two sons. That is why He had allowed them to continue in their disobedience to their father (2:25). The two boys had reached the point of no return, no repentance--judgment was at hand. Indeed, both Eli and his sons would die as a result of this incident. The Israelites, not knowing the divine purpose, considered the ark's capture a disaster, but God viewed it as a spiritual victory. In this way the Lord would make Israel more cognizant of the seriousness of sin and the ramifications it can have on the nation. God desires that His people be holy. Sometimes He must purge from His land and His people those who fail to meet His standard.

A wise man once compared a nation to a chain. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link; a nation is only as strong as its weakest family. [1/28/06]

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We Know More?

Students of Scripture need to stop occasionally and evaluate their interpretative methodology. Take the occurrence of "Chaldeans" in Genesis 11:28, 31, and 15:7 as an example. Some scholars claim that such an occurrence is an anachronism, since the Chaldeans are not mentioned until the Assyrian documents of the 8th century B.C. That argumentation reveals two things about those scholars: (1) they are willing to trust the Assyrian texts more than they trust the biblical text and (2) they are terribly inconsistent in their appeal to the Assyrian texts. As Kenneth Kitchen points out, "If Assyrian mentions are the sine qua non (the absolute criterion) for a king's existence, then Egypt and her kings could not have existed before the specific naming of (U)shilkanni, Shapataka, and Ta(ha)rqa in 716-679!" (K. A. Kitchen, On the Reliability of the Old Testament [Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2003], 12). Why don't these scholars treat the references to ancient pharaohs of Egypt just like they treat the mention of the Chaldeans in Genesis? They wouldn't do that, because they consider the Egyptian records sufficiently authentic and authoritative to conclude that absence of Assyrian evidence is not evidence of absence. They deny a priori evidential status to the Old Testament alone. Its authority is not sufficient for such scholars. Another example is the handling of Ezekiel 28's reference to Tyre's prince and the anointed cherub. Some scholars actually claim that there was no way for anyone to properly understand that passage until the modern era. All of the older commentators who took the cherub as a reference to Satan were unaware of Phoenician, Mesopotamian, and Canaanite mythology. But, we now know more than they. In other words, no one could properly understand God's Word until the modern era. Knowledge of pagan mythology has become the ultimate authority. How have we arrived at such a state of affairs, that we would dare to claim that we are the first generation to be able to rightly interpret Ezekiel 28? I am saddened and grieved that believers who ought to know better so readily resort to secular Assyrian records on the one hand and pagan mythology on the other, rather than to read the text for what it says and to accept it as authoritative and capable of being understood rightly and completely throughout the ages. [1/11/06]

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Why Blog?

Yes, I know it has been 3 months and 3 days since I posted a new entry on my blog. Why do I (or anyone else) blog anyway? Because my ideas are so good I just can't wait to share them with the rest of the world? Because I have a need to express myself in a somewhat safe and sane manner? Because I want to appear "with it" in the cyber age? Well, maybe it's a little of all of the above--if I want to be brutally honest about it. And, if I really want to be honest, this really isn't even a blog. It could be said that this page is flying under false colors. In reality it is just my personal editorial page in electronic media. As anyone knows who has been disappointed (or, perhaps pleased) not to find any new entry in over three months, I certainly don't get bogged down producing daily blogs. When it comes to composing a new entry, I often suffer from blog clog (also, known commonly as blog fog). That's a kindred virus to writer's block--another condition I often suffer from. As the new year approaches I debate with myself about making a resolution to be more consistent in producing blog entries--or, perhaps, a resolution not to subject the cyber world to yet another blog flogging. My fingers get exercised at the computer keyboard when I compose a new entry--I guess that might make me a blog jogger. That makes sense. I actually jog as infrequently as I blog jog. In order not to drive off any more of my fans (yeah, all three of them), I will resolve in 2006 to write more socially and spiritually redeeming blogs than this one. Now, that should be an easy resolution to keep. Even if I remain silent until the end of 2006, the silent blog will have been more uplifting than this one. Happy New Year too all of you fellow bloggers. [12/27/05]

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Why Pray?

Basically, there are two views of prayer: (1) Prayer is the means by which God's will is done on earth and (2) prayer is the means by which people get their will done in heaven. According to Scripture, the purpose of prayer is not to change God or to change God's mind. Prayer is one of God's appointed means of changing me. How does prayer change me?

• First, prayer brings me to the point of desiring what God desires. This is what Christ taught His disciples. He taught them to pray, "Father, let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).
• Second, prayer makes me grateful for what God does. Paul reminds us of the major role thanking God plays in prayer: "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18) and "in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).
• Third, prayer brings me to the place of fellowship with God. This fellowship takes place both individually and corporately. An example of the latter is explained by Christ in Matthew 18:19-20: "if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I among them." It is not enough just to listen to God through His Word. Fellowship is a two-way communication. We must complete that fellowship by communicating with Him.
• Fourth, prayer causes me to see that God is behind all events--He is the One in control, not I. That is why our prayers are answered only if they are in accord with His will (1 John 5:14). It is our will that must be conformed to His, not His to ours. Our Savior demonstrated exactly how this works. He was perfect and sinless, yet He prayed, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42).
• Fifth, prayer is the means by which we become participants in God's program, not just spectators. At the dedication of the Temple, King Solomon prayed, "O God of Israel, let Your word come true, which You have spoken to Your servant David my father" (1 Kings 8:26). We must pray for God to fulfill His Word. Our prayers are the means by which the Father is glorified in His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:13). All things are to be for the glory of God--that is the ultimate goal of His program on planet Earth.

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Hurricane Katrina

There are people who would love to ask Jesus about the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Jesus might (note the caveat) answer, "Do you think that these victims of Katrina were worse sinners than all other Americans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." Thus a contemporary application of the words of Jesus in Luke 13:1-3 provides one answer. When people ask questions about such catastrophic events, it is best to draw attention to the fact that we are no better than the victims and each must examine their own standing before a holy God. In addition, we must admit to ignorance. I certainly don't have divine wisdom nor can I discern God's intent or plan. If I were to speak with any dogmatism, I would probably end up being as foolish as the lone surviving shepherd who had been with Job's flock of sheep when fire came down from heaven and consumed both shepherds and sheep (Job 1:16). He indicated that the fire came from God. However, the narrator had already informed the reader that the deed was actually performed by Satan in his bid to discredit Job. Certainly God allowed Hurricane Katrina to happen. It is equally certain that He ultimately will be glorified by the results, which He alone knows in advance. It behooves us to just trust that the God of all the earth has done what is right and, at the same time, to admit that we do not know God's reasons nor His purpose. "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" (Romans 11:34, ESV). And, yes, it is another opportunity for believers to demonstrate the love and compassion we are commanded to exercise in 1 John 3:11-24. [9/9/05]

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Colombia

There is nothing like travel to expand the mind and challenge the heart. For some people, Colombia is a place challenging to spell correctly. Note the second "o" in the name--it is not Columbia (as in District of Columbia, the capital of the U.S.A., or as in British Columbia, the beautiful Canadian province in the Northwest). Most people associate Colombia with drug lords and rebel guerrilla groups (another spelling challenge for those who would employ "gorilla"--a big African ape). I learned that Colombia is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. It also has one of the most fantastic climates--especially in the capital, Bogota. It is a nation of wonderfully hospitable people, great foods, and gorgeous flowers. Many of the flowers in Southern California flower shops come from Colombia. It is also a nation with active and growing evangelical churches. I also gained an appreciation for the accuracy of the Reina-Valera 1960 Revision. There were many passages in Exodus-Deuteronomy (and elsewhere) that I found to be better translated than in the NKJV or NASB. Yes, Colombia is more than a nation of coffee beans, cocaine, and guerrillas. It is a nation with a rich heritage, many wonderful servants of Christ, beautiful landscape, and a country to which this traveler will enjoy returning someday. [8/4/05]

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Freedom

On this 4th of July 2005 I am extremely thankful for the liberties we have because of our men and women in uniform around the globe. I am especially thankful and proud that our two sons are members of the U.S. military and have served faithfully in the current war on terrorism. All too quickly, but quite predictably, many U.S. citizens have already turned back from their determination to never allow a repetition of September 11, 2001. Freedom is too expensive for them. The fearful price for freedom from terrorism weakens their fortitude. However, if we do not stand firm, the next terrorist attack on American soil could cost ten or even one hundred times as many lives as we lost on the day terrorists brazenly attacked New York and Washington, D.C., murdering thousands of non-combatants. How expensive is Iraq? More die each year on American soil from gang violence than the number of our soldiers who die each year in Iraq. Should we also capitulate in our war on gangs and gang violence because it too requires too high a price? There are days when it is safer to be on the streets of Baghdad than on the streets of Los Angeles. We have a duty to our children and grandchildren to stand up against gang violence in the United States as well as Islamic terrorism worldwide. These two evil plagues on our peace must be annihilated if our freedoms are to be passed on to future generations. If we falter now, our grandchildren will pay an even greater price to regain what we shall lose by not staying the course. My children are paying a high enough price--I do not want my grandchildren to have to pay it as well! Those who are nearsighted don't really care, they just want the war to end now and for us to bring our troops home. Like unthinking patients, they want to stop taking the antibiotic before the disease is eradicated--they don't believe that the disease can mutate into a resistant strain that can be even more deadly. On this 4th of July let's celebrate our liberty and vow to continue the fight against the enemies of our freedom: Islamic terrorism and domestic gang terrorism. [7/4/05]

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Taking Down Fences

"Never take down a fence until you know why it was put up." Warren Wiersbe gave that as the first of four summarizing lessons he wished to convey to young servants of God (On Being a Servant of God [Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Books, 1993], 84). Too many people are too quick to institute what they think are needed changes before they really understand why something is being done the way it is. We certainly do not want to kill a church with the philosophical observation, "We never did it that way before." However, we also do not want to destroy a church by tearing down something that has very good reasons for existing. Young preachers especially need to approach their first (or even second or third) pastorates with a humble spirit and a desire to get to know the people and the church's history thoroughly before even suggesting any changes. Of course, an exception can be made for things biblical, but why would a man accept a call to a church that was practicing something unbiblical without pointing that out and letting them know upfront that their call for him to be their pastor will mean that the unbiblical will be changed? To come any other way is to come with deceit and a hidden agenda--hardly the qualifications of a good pastor. In my forty years of ministry I have been grieved by the way some new pastors mandate changes before they've earned the right to even suggest change. What kind of changes am I talking about? Changes in a church's affiliation, changes in a church's constitution, changes in a church's doctrinal statement, changes in a church's name, and changes in a church's form of government. Some pastors come into a church, make sweeping changes, and then leave it before they've been there five years. Until they've been there for five to ten years, they shouldn't be making any changes. Like a bull in a china shop, they've shattered the china and didn't even have the common courtesy to stay around for the cleanup. The cause of Christ has been damaged and churches destroyed by arrogant and thoughtless ministers who took down fences without ever knowing why they were put up in the first place. One day they will stand before God and be held accountable for their foolish actions. I would not want to be standing where they will stand when the grief-filled eyes of Christ turn upon them with the censure of His lips resounding in their ears: "You put yourself first, Diotrephes, instead of My church!" (cf. 3 John 9). [6/29/05]

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Father's Day

What do you say to your father on Father's Day? This year I sent Dad a card in which I wrote that I was thankful to have him as my father for two supreme reasons: (1) He took the lead in our family in coming to Christ and (2) he still loves my mother and is still married to her. These are getting to be more and more unusual in the American Christian population. Indeed, to have both of these in a father is a rare privilege. Neither one was easy. Both were impossible to do on his own--it was the work of God. If any of us seek to preserve a marriage in our own power and wisdom, it will fail. There were days, weeks, and months during which my parents' marriage teetered on the edge of oblivion. But, they made it through extraordinarily difficult times by the grace of God. When they came to Christ, their faith rejuvenated their marriage. Why is my father's example becoming so unusual in our day? Those who leave God out of their marriage and who fail to yield themselves to the authority of His Word without reservation are doomed to failed marriages. A father's example is a powerful antidote for their children's defection from the faith. It's not a guarantee (see my "Q&A" web page and select "Titus 1:6"), but it is certainly what every father should set as a goal for his life. Thanks, Dad, for being my father. [6/20/05]

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Our Sovereign God

Nebuchadnezzar is the only pagan king to compose a chapter of the Scriptures. Daniel 4 is his testimony. He gives a vivid and personal account of God's miraculous works (v. 2). Nebuchadnezzar, flush with victory and success, strode upon the roof top of his palace in Babylon and gloated over his accomplishments (vv. 29-30). One would think that his second dream and its interpretation (vv. 4-27) would have been sufficient warning. It was not. When we are arrogant and self-centered, no amount of warning will turn us from our path of self-destruction. In fact, it took seven years of living like an animal to finally bring Nebuchadnezzar to the realization that God was sovereign, not Nebuchadnezzar (vv. 28-37). What will it take to bring us to our senses? Why do some of us insist in living as though God is non-existent? How low does one have to fall before he or she finally lets go and lets God have His way? Yes, God is in control. Listen to Nebuchadnezzar. Or, perhaps someone thinks he's better than Nebuchadnezzar and has a lot better control over his life. We're only qualified to be the ultimate authority in our life if we can thunder with a voice like God's, adorn ourselves with His majesty, bring proud Nebuchadnezzar low all by ourselves, and destroy all the wicked with our power. That's what it takes to be God--to be capable of saving oneself (Job 40:6-14). Next time you're tempted to gloat and to feel like you can do the very best job of controlling your life, stop and consider what it would be like to eat nothing but grass for seven years. [5/28/05]

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Translations and the Tetragrammaton

For some time now I have been thinking about better ways to translate the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) in our English Bibles. It has always seemed a sacrilege to treat divine titles as though they were not distinct. That's exactly what we normally do when it comes to translating YHWH and 'Adonai. English translations normally render the latter as "Lord," which is its actual meaning. But, the former is most often translated "LORD." Public reading of the Scriptures has no way to indicate which is which, since they both sound exactly alike. YHWH is the highest and most sanctified of divine names. It is the title associated with God's covenant relationship to His people, His eternal nature, and His Presence. 'Adonai speaks to his sovereign lordship over all creation. Some of the biblical texts among the Dead Sea Scrolls employ the paleo-Hebrew script for writing the four letters of the Tetragrammaton. Even some Greek manuscripts from the Dead Sea region utilize the same convention instead of translating YHWH with Kurios. Why not utilize the same practice today? Instead of paleo-Hebrew script, however, we would employ the transliterated consonants alone: YHWH. Readers would be instructed to read the name in accord with their personal convictions. Most Jews would substitute Hashshem ("the Name"), some Christians would prefer to retain "Lord," others would use the traditional substitute "Jehovah," and still others would prefer the more accurate pronunciation "Yahweh." To my way of thinking, this comes quite close to the ancient Jewish practice using the paleo-Hebrew script. Readers would have a choice, but they would always know for certain when the Hebrew text has the Tetragrammaton. [2/25/05]

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Future Revival of Ancient Nations

As mere humans with limited knowledge, we might very well consider the ten northern tribes of Israel who went into captivity under the Assyrians in 722 B.C. to be "the lost tribes of Israel." But, I don't believe that God loses peoples so easily. After all, God can (and will) resurrect bodies that have been burned to ashes, scattered to the four winds, and assimilated by plants and animals. It would seem that any detection of such mortal remains after 1000 years of history would be impossible even by the most sophisticated of modern scientific instruments. Reconstituting a nation or reviving an ethnic identity from thousands of years ago might just prove to be easier. And what makes us think that there is no problem with the two southern tribes of Israel that we do not consider "lost"? Haven't they been so assimilated over the centuries by intermarriage with other peoples, that one could logically claim that modern Israelis are in no way the descendants of biblical Israel? If that is our line of reasoning, it seems to me that we must claim that Israel is just as much an "archetype" as what many current Bible scholars claim for Babylon or Assyria. Why are they archetypes? Because there is no historical evidence of complete fulfillment of the biblical prophecies concerning Assyria, for example. I object to that line of reasoning. Old Testament prophecies about Assyria and Babylon (and a number of other peoples) were not fulfilled completely in past history because there is a yet future eschatological fulfillment to come that will take care of the remaining details. If modern or future Israel can take on the historical ethnic identity of the biblical Israelites by returning to the land from which they had departed in the disapora of A.D. 70, how is it that the current inhabitants of Iraq and Iran could not be even closer descendants to the ancient Assyrians or Babylonians than modern Israel is to ancient Israel? The eschatological "Assyrians" do not need to be called by the same name or have the same identical geo-political boundaries to be the legitimate heirs and descendants. They possess the ethnic identity to reconstitute themselves as the nation having direct descent from the ancient Assyrians. In fact, in a striking parallel to the Jewish diaspora, there are thousands of "Assyrians" living in Pasadena and the Central Valley of California who claim exactly that and insist on being called "Assyrians" because of their heritage. I see no viable reason why Revelation 7's tribes cannot be reconstituted and prophecy literally fulfilled with precision. The same conclusion applies equally to Isaiah 10 or 13-14 or Jeremiah 50-51. The God who will reconstitute the "lost tribes of Israel" is perfectly capable of doing the same for Assyria and Babylon. I believe He will do so. Remember, absence of evidence for the ten "lost tribes" is not evidence of absence! [1/22/05]

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Asian Tsunami Relief

The Christmas earthquake and tsunami devastated coastal regions of Sumatra, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, Somalia, and a number of other nations. Many people have contacted me asking where they should send gifts for relief for those suffering in this devastating disaster. Additional information can also be found at ABWE's website. We served with ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) in Bangladesh from 1981 until 1996. Their resources in the areas affected by the tsunami are minimal. Their web site provided the first two agencies listed below. Our personal experience with relief in Bangladesh and knowledge of the limitations of most mission agencies when it comes to massive relief efforts is the basis for recommending Samaritan's Purse and World Vision.

• Operation Blessing International -------------- Phone: (757) 226-3401
  977 Centerville Turnpike ------------------------ Alt. Phone: (800) 730-2537
  Viginia Beach, VA 23463 ------------------------ Email: operation.blessing@ob.org
  http://www.ob.org

For an informative news article, go to http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/6835


• International Aid ----------------------------------- Phone: (616) 846-7490
  17011 W. Hickory ---------------------------------- Alt. Phone: (800) 968-7490
  Spring Lake, MI 49456-9712 -------------------- Email: ia@internationalaid.org
  http://www.internationalaid.org

For an informative news article, go to http://mnn.gospelcom.net/article/6840


• Samaritan's Purse ----------------------------------- Phone: (828) 262-1980
  P.O. Box 3000
  Boone, NC 28607 ------------------------------------ Email: info@samaritan.org
  http://www.samaritanspurse.org

For an informative news article, go to http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.asp?section=Projects&page=projects_news_122704.txt


• World Vision International ----------------------- Phone: (626) 303-8811
  800 West Chestnut Avenue
  Monrovia, CA 91016-3198
  http://www.wvi.org
  http://www.worldvision.org

For an informative news article, go to http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/110429889639.htm

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Christmas for Diversity

Instead of snow outside our window, we have golden autumn leaves silhouetted against the bright blue sky above and carpeting our green grass below. Southern California has the advantage of no snow to shovel, but the disadvantage of only rarely having a white Christmas. Wyoming Christmases, when I was a child, were seemingly divided between the white and the brown. I remember one Christmas in Casper, Wyoming on which the thermometer registered an astounding 60 degrees. Of course, there were a few of -40, as well. When I was younger I did not really appreciate Christmas for what it really is--the commemoration of our Savior's birth. Without Christ there is no Christmas. Political correctness has run amok in these times. We would all much rather be able to say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hanukkah" than to emasculate the greetings to "Happy Holidays." When did America become so intolerant and anti-religious? Since when do the majority have to bend to the obvious prejudice of an atheistic minority? Elite sociologists and educators have much to say about the need for diversity in our society and in our educational institutions. What happens to diversity when we have removed all the differences by semantic gymnastics and denial of public display of one's faith? That's not diversity--that's cookie-cutter uniformity. Celebrate the difference this year. Fellow Christians, let's celebrate Christmas openly and joyfully. "Today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11)! [12/25/04]

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Thanksgiving

Thanks is evidence of strength and grace in an individual. People who can't say "Thank you" are insecure and miserable. Gratitude is the attitude of noble men and women. According to historical records, an old soldier who had served under the Roman emperor Augustus was involved in a lawsuit. The outcome appeared to be near to going against the old soldier, so he publicly requested Augustus to appear in court on his behalf. Instead of agreeing to appear in court himself, Augustus selected one of his entourage to appear and the emperor introduced him to the old soldier. However, the soldier rolled back his sleeve to reveal his scars and shouted, "When you were in danger at Actium, I didn't choose a substitute, but fought for you in person!" Chagrined, Augustus appeared in court on the veteran's behalf. If we desire faithful companions on life's journey, we must be present to show our gratitude for what others have done for us. Our debts of gratitude should not be difficult to collect. Indeed, gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy we can practice. Until an individual has expressed his thanks to God, he is ill-prepared to express his gratitude to his peers. True gratitude is born of humility and the knowledge that we cannot do everything for ourselves. [11/27/04]

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Diotrephes

From the pen of the aged apostle John we read, "I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say" (3 John 9). Doubtless, each of us knows someone who fits that description--someone who constantly makes certain that his hand is seen or his voice is heard in as many areas of a church's (or mission's) ministries as possible. Such an individual thrives on making certain his name is associated with as many top names as possible and that he acts as the unofficial spokesperson for the pastor or for the church. Such a person often is politically active in ecclesiastical circles beyond his local church or mission field, seeking to build such a network of associations that he can count on promotion to positions of influence where his self-perceived importance can be adequately displayed. This jockeying for positions of power is pursued in order to gain control over the associations and direction of a church or other ministry. Although the original Diotrephes was male, women are equally involved in such activities. Before we quickly point a finger at someone, we must take a good hard look at ourselves in a mirror to see if the image of Diotrephes appears before our eyes. Even though popularity in high circles might be appealing, we must remember John's command: "Do not imitate what is evil, but what is good" (verse 11). The best promotion is not self-promotion. [10/9/04]

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A Fence Around Scripture

Can we be certain that the Scriptures we now have are the same as those God gave? That is a question that would take a lot of time and space to answer fully. One aspect of the preservation of Scripture involves the transmission of the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament). Around 500-700 A.D. the Masoretes assumed responsibility for the accurate copying and preservation of the traditional Hebrew text. They continued in this role for approximately 500-600 years. Looking at the modern editions of the Hebrew Bible, one is struck by all of the material in the outside margins of the pages. These notations are know as the Masorah parva (smaller Masorah). They contain numerical notations identifying how many times a certain word form or phrase occurs, notations indicating how often a variant spelling is employed, and a variety of other notes including variant readings (the Kethiv-Qere'). These statistical notations were designed to aid the Masoretes in determining whether any particular manuscript/copy was accurate enough to be used in the synagogue. All of this took place long before computers. The sheer magnitude of the work and the detail involved speaks volumes about the Masoretes' devotion to accuracy in the transmission of the Hebrew Bible. Their equivalent today would be the types of universal searches Bible translators conduct with a computer for Bible translation projects. Such searches uncover inconsistencies in translation or grammar or spelling that require correction. The Masoretes worked the way my father taught me to live: if the light was off when you entered a room, turn it off when you leave--always leave it the way you found it. The Masoretes did not dare alter the text they had received. They took extreme pains to pass it on exactly the way they had received it. Unlike editors of Greek New Testament editions who insert their choice of readings into the text itself (with notes at the bottom of the page to explain their decisions), editors of Hebrew Old Testaments refrain from any alteration of the single manuscript employed as the basis for the Hebrew edition. All such suggested changes are to be found only in the textual critical apparatus at the bottom of the page--the text itself is passed on exactly as it was. In the case of Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensis it is the Leningrad Codex B19A manuscript from 1008 A.D., one of the best-preserved complete texts of the Hebrew Bible. By means of the masorah, the Masoretes built a fence around the text to protect it and preserve it. If their practice and devotion was any reflection at all of the scribes who had preceded them, there is every reason to have confidence in the text of the Hebrew Bible as we now have it. [9/24/04]

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Prostrate before God

During our church's men's retreat, our speaker (Dr. Daniel Block) emphasized that the word "worship" in the Old Testament is a Hebrew term meaning "prostrate oneself," "bow down," or "fall prostrate on one's face." As he pointed out, that seems to be a practice that we've allowed to slip away in the church and in our personal spiritual experience. His comments stirred memories of the days when we used to kneel for prayer in the church. At prayer times we used to kneel at a chair or even right there in the pews, turning around to rest our elbows on the padded cushions. How often I wondered if I would ever grow callouses on my knees to make the hard floor feel more comfortable. James, the brother of our Lord, was said to have had knees like a camel's knees because of the time he spent on his knees in prayer. Are there any like him left today? Beyond kneeling, however, worship in the Old Testament includes the concept of lying prostrate, face down, on the ground in prayer. Such prayer is like that of a dear Bangladeshi brother, who went to a remote room in the hospital and laid face down on the floor pleading with God to allow his beloved wife to live. His wife, Basanti Dass, was one of my colleagues on the translation team for the Standard Bengali Common Language Bible. She had suffered a stroke and was near death. Thomas Dass later told me that he had been humbled, brought low, and was fully dependent upon God's grace and mercy. As far as he was concerned, there was no other way to express his prayer except on his face. Personal memories include lying on my face on the forest floor in the Colorado Rockies praying for God to make me into the kind of man He wants me to be. That sad truth is that there have been so few times since. Especially in America we have become too independent and too proud to prostrate ourselves on the ground. It is a position of abject humility. It is a position of vulnerability, more often associated in our minds with a conquered foe under the boot of the warrior who has defeated him. Oh, that we would allow God to conquer our proud spirit and humble us in the dust. Let's fall on our faces and worship God (1 Cor 14:25). "Because He is your Lord, bow down to Him" (Ps 45:11, NAU). "Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker" (Ps 95:6, NAU). [9/19/04]

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9/11

Images flood my memory--images of the second plane's impact on the second tower of the World Trade Center as I stood dumbfounded in front of the TV attempting to assimilate the meaning, images of the huge cloud of smoke and dust that blotted out all of Manhattan following the collapse of the towers. There were no words to describe the perversity of such an attack. To this day I cannot understand the seeming reluctance of Islamic clergymen to condemn terrorism that targets innocent civilians. Terrorists who seized the school filled with children in Beslan, Russia is even more heinous (if degrees can exist at all in categorizing such atrocities). My hackles raise every time I hear some dense individual accuse the U.S. military of crimes against humanity when innocent civilians die in Iraq. There is a very big difference between the two cases. The U.S. never targets purposefully, with violent intent, innocent civilians or children. On the other hand, the Islamic terrorists do exactly that--they intentionally target innocent civilians and children. Such attacks are inhuman, monstrous, deserving the swiftest and most heavy-handed response our military is capable of launching. Any nation or people who fail to understand the distinction is not to be trusted with the care of human life and should be ostracized from the world community by every civilized nation. And, yet again, there were no Muslim clerics coming to the microphones or TV cameras to condemn the terrorist attack on the school children of Beslan. Nor are they condemning the genocide of African Christians in the Sudan by Islamic warriors. Why? Isn't it obvious? Most Muslim clerics do not adhere to the same values as the rest of the world. It is time for the Muslim laity to arise en masse, oust the clerics pandering to terrorism, and show the world by radio and TV that they are as revulsed as the rest of us about 9/11, Beslan, and the Sudan. [9/11/04]

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Sermons Incarnate

What is the secret to learning Hebrew or Greek? Or, the secret to memorizing Scripture?
It is love for the Scriptures and the desire to know them intimately.

Those who love the Lord will certainly love His Word. That love will be shown by a conscious meditation upon the declarations and teachings of the Word "all day long." One of the most impressive pastors I have met was not a great scholar nor was he a pastor of a large congregation. He pastored a little church in the small Western town of Douglas, Wyoming. Pastor George Stepan would put on some old faded Levi coveralls and a pair of old boots and a faded felt hat and go out along the country roads among the ranches. When he found ranchers working on a fence, cutting hay, irrigating, or branding calves, he would join them. He would work alongside them and witness to them by his work and his word. He could quote from the Book of Proverbs for any and all situations. The Word of God was constantly pouring from his lips. God used him to reach people whom most pastors would think unreachable -- primarily because they can not bring themselves to take their white shirts and ties off and get down in the dirt with those who live on the land. It was not his work alone which succeeded, however -- it was the Word of God in the mouth of one who meditated on it all day long. He loved the Scriptures.

Several years ago God brought into my life another man whose heart and mouth are saturated with the Word. Acute leukemia will soon remove him from this veil of tears into the throne room of Almighty God. Time with Hal Kemper is precious because of his love of Christ and his love of Scripture. His life is a sermon and a stimulus for studying the Word in English and the original languages, for memorizing Scripture, and for obeying Scripture. [8/29/04]

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Absence of Evidence or Evidence of Absence?

"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence." That's a maxim often heard in discussions of archaeological interpretation. However, I'm going to take that a different direction and talk about the absence of references to evangelical scholars in works by authors either claiming to be evangelical or appearing to be such. Consider the following recently published works and omissions:

• Alfred J. Hoerth, Archaeology and the Old Testament (Baker, 1998), lists only one reference for "Joseph and Moses in Egypt" and omits major contributions by Gleason L. Archer, Charles F. Aling, Harold W. Hoehner, and James R. Battenfield.
• Tremper Longman III, The Book of Ecclesiastes, NICOT (Eerdmans, 1998), omits Gleason Archer's "The Linguistic Evidence for the Date of Ecclesiastes," JETS 12 (1969): 167-81.
• John N. Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40-66, NICOT (Eerdmans, 1998), omits references to David Baron, Robert D. Culver, Charles L. Feinberg, Alva J. McClain, and Charles C. Ryrie.
• Mark F. Rooker, Leviticus, NAC (Broadman & Holman, 2000), in an otherwise superb commentary, omits Alva J. McClain's Law and Grace (Moody, 1967) from his discussion of the Christian and the Law.
• C. Hassell Bullock, Encountering the Book of Psalms: A Literary and Theological Introduction (Baker, 2001), omits any reference to Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Treasury of David.
• Robert B. Chisholm, Jr., Handbook of the Prophets (Baker, 2002), in his detailed bibliography, omits classic evangelical studies by Charles L. Feinberg on Isaiah 7:14 and Robert D. Culver and David Baron on Isaiah 53.

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Being My True Self

Repeatedly the American public is confronted by the claim that someone is just being their "true self" or getting at their "inner truth." The latest insult to our intelligence comes from Gov. James McGreevey of New Jersey. Often, as in the McGreevey case, the claim is offered as the reason (read that as excuse) for being the kind of person he or she wishes to be. After all, this is America, the land of the free--free to be what we want to be. Let's briefly examine such claims. May I begin with myself? What is my true self? Who am I? Frankly, I am a sinner (Romans 3:23). The omniscient God has made that truth abundantly clear in Scripture. Therefore, if I want to behave like a sinner, I am free to do so. But, does behaving like my true self really resolve anything? Absolutely not. It will only land me in trouble and misery--not to mention the misery it will bring on everyone around me. What happened when Jeffrey Dahmer was his "true self"? Adolf Hitler? Idi Amin? Uday and Qusay Hussein? Every adulterer, mass murderer, thief, liar, and child abuser can use the same reasoning to rationalize their behavior. "It made me feel good to finally release myself from society's constraints and do what made me feel good and be who I really am." The question ought to be, "What kind of person does God want me to be?" The answer is found in Scripture where the standards are provided that bring true liberty and freedom. God's truth will "make you free" (John 8:32)--not the truth of the sinner's desires, but the truth of a holy God that separates the sinner from his/her sin (John 17:17). [8/13/04]

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Difference Between Republicans and Democrats

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude."

She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican."

"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct, but I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."

The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Democrat."

"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you're going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise that you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but, somehow, now it's my fault."

[8/7/04. Received in one of those emails forwarded by a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend ...]

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Grandchildren

Perhaps I'm just a romantic or delusional (there really is a difference), but when I look at my wife, I see my grandchildren. Likewise, when I watch my grandchildren, I see their grandmother. We've begun to think that the looks of grandparents are replicated in their grandchildren. True, there are two sets of very different grandparents. The marvel is, the same child can look like one grandparent at one time and yet a different grandparent at another time. It makes me thankful I'm still married to my grandchildren's grandmother, because I will always catch glimpses of her in them. Then I have another thought: Do others see Christ in me as I'm being gradually transformed into His image (2 Cor 3:18)? [8/5/04]

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Hubble

Nothing provides perspective like a look through the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The most brilliant of the world's scientists are stumped by the intricately woven structure of the Spirograph Nebula. No one yet has an explanation for HH 34's waterfall of light streaming through space. The so-called Pillars of Creation in the Eagle Nebula dwarf even the most vivid and fruitful imagination. Then there are the stars of the Sagittarius star cloud (SGR-1) that dazzle the eyes and cause the mind to leap to God's invitation to Abram to "count the stars, if you are able to count them" (Genesis 15:5, NASB). Later, God spoke to Abram (by then renamed Abraham) again and said, "I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens, and as the sand which is on the seashore" (Genesis 22:17). Through the centuries many Bible expositors have looked upon the comparison of the stars with the grains of sand on the seashore as an unequal comparison. Surely, they thought, the number of stars does not even come close to the number of the grains of sand on the seashore. HST has demonstrated that the comparison is quite appropriate. Vast numbers of stars can be seen in the field of vision provided by HST. The spiritually sensitive soul must cry out, "What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him?" (Psalm 8:4). We see the heavens and the vast array of stars, but the vast heavenly expanse and all the wonders HST reveals are merely "the fringes of His ways" (Job 26:14)! HST is one window for mankind to view natural revelation that clearly declares God's "eternal power and divine nature" (Romans 1:20). By sending HST into orbit and publishing its views, scientists advance the judgment of God by leaving unbelievers "without excuse." [7/23/04]

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Stolen Signs

It is a simple sign: "God Bless Bush and Our Troops." Three have been stolen off our front lawn one after the other within weeks of their replacement. We have two sons serving in the military. They are placing their lives on the line so that American citizens can exercise their freedoms. Freedom to steal? No. Freedom of expression? Yes. What kind of individual would abuse freedom of expression by turning it into freedom to steal? That's simple: a thief. Our sign, like the blue stars in our window and the "stars and stripes" flying from the corner of our house, expresses our patriotism and our obedience to the Scriptures. "God Bless Bush and Our Troops" is a prayer for God to bless our president and our military. According to 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Christians are to pray for those who govern us. Our thief is expressing the contrary by his (or her--gender equality exists for the sin nature) actions. Perhaps the situation transcends the issue of freedom, theft, and prayer. Francis Schaeffer declared that "to refuse to do what I can for those under the power of oppressors is nothing less than a failure of Christian love. It is to refuse to love my neighbor as myself" ("The Secular Humanist World View Versus the Christian World View and Biblical Perspectives on Military Preparedness," in Francis Schaeffer, Vladimmir Bukovsky, and James Hitchcock, Who Is for Peace? [Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1983], 23). He went on to say that that was why he was not a pacifist: "Pacifism in this poor world in which we live--this lost world--means that we desert the people who need our greatest help" (ibid.). By his actions the thief is not only exhibiting a lack of love for his immediate neighbors (my wife and I) by stealing property that cost hard-earned money, but also his lack of love for Afghanis and Iraqis. The stealing of our signs is a sign of failure on the part of the thief: failure to pray, failure to treasure freedom, failure to love, and a failure to discourage us from exercising our freedom legitimately. Maybe, just maybe, it is also a sign of the failure of the party of John Kerry--maybe theft is the only way they think they can win. [7/15/04]

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The Death of a Child

On July 8, our 38th wedding anniversary, an infant boy passed away after a brief ten days on earth leaving a young couple in our church with broken hearts. It is the second time a couple in our church has gone through such a loss in just the past year. A few more have had miscarriages. It is an experience a surprising number of families face. It raises all kinds of questions, especially "Where's my baby? Is he/she in heaven?" One of the best resources available is a little book by John MacArthur entitled Safe in the Arms of God: Truth from Heaven about the Death of a Child (Nashville, Tenn.: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003). There is also a wonderful ministry called Caleb Ministries who provide an invaluable resource for ongoing ministry to those who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. Praise the Lord for such resources and for Psalm 139's wonderful depiction of God's tender care and wisdom. [7/10/04]

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Dr. William Harold Mare

On June 26 I received the following emailed notice:

We have been informed that Dr. David Chapman and Dr. Harold Mare, faculty members of Covenant Seminary, were in an automobile accident in Jordan on the evening of Monday, June 21, 2004.  Dr. Mare was killed; Dr. Chapman suffered minor injuries and should be released from the hospital on Tuesday.  Be in prayer for the Mare family, Dr. Chapman, for his wife, Tasha, and family in St. Louis.  Arrangements for Dr. Mare's funeral are pending at this time.
 
William Harold Mare was born in Portland, Oregon on July 23, 1918.  He attended Wheaton College (BA, 1941 and MA, 1946), Faith Theological Seminary (BDiv, 1945), and the University of Pennsylvania (PhD, 1961).  He married Clara Elizabeth ["Betty"] Potter in Wilmington, Delaware on March 23, 1945 [deceased, May 2002].  The Mare's five children include Myra Ann (Ovshak), Sally Elizabeth (Waltke), Nancy Lee (Hayward), William Harold, Jr. and Judith Eileen (Linton).

Dr. Mare was licensed and ordained in May 1944. During his ministry he served at an independent church in Arden, Delaware (1945-1946); as an instructor at Faith Theological Seminary (1946-1953); as the founding pastor of the First Bible Presbyterian Church in Denver, Colorado (1953-1960) [now Covenant PCA, Wheat Ridge, CO]; and pastor of Faith Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC (1960-1963). 
 
He was a professor at Covenant Theological Seminary from 1963 until he retired, teaching there even after retirement.  Archaeology was the central focus of his academic career.  In 1963 he served as the director and professor for the Near East School of Archaeology in Jerusalem, and in 1980 he began his long association as the director of the excavation at Abila of the Decapolis, in Jordan.  Despite his age and some recent health problems, Dr. Mare was tireless in his studies, writing and especially in his devotion to the work at Abila.  He had just days before returned there to resume that excavation when the accident occurred. A bibliography of Dr. Mare's published works is extensive, and includes numerous articles and books on archaeology, as well as New Testament studies and instruction in New Testament Greek.

For those unfamiliar with Dr. Mare's contributions to biblical studies, I would recommend the following because of their impact on my own growth in biblical knowledge and interpretation:

• "The Smallest Mustard Seed--Matthew 13:32," Grace Journal 9/3 (Fall 1968): 3-11.


• "Guiding Principles for Historical Grammatical Exegesis," Grace Journal 14/3 (Fall 1973): 14-25.


• "Prophet and Teacher in the New Testament Period," Bulletin of the Evangelical Theological Society 9/3 (March 1966): 139-48.


• "The Cultural Mandate and the New Testament Gospel Imperative," Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 16/3 (Summer 1973): 139-47.

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Attending Church

While reading for a Sunday School class on Psalm 26, I found the following wonderful illustration:

"'I have in my congregation,' said a venerable minister of the gospel, 'a worthy, aged woman, who has for many years been so deaf as not to distinguish the loudest sound, and yet she is always one of the first in the meeting. On asking the reason of her constant attendance (as it was impossible for her to hear my voice), she answered, "Though I cannot hear you, I come to God's house because I love it, and would be found in his ways; and he gives me many a sweet thought upon the text when it is pointed out to me: another reason is, because there I am in the best company, in the more immediate presence of God, and among his saints, the honourable of the earth. I am not satisfied with serving God in private; it is my duty and privilege to honour him regularly in public."' What a reproof this is to those who have their hearing, and yet always come to a place of worship late, or not at all!" -- K. Arvine (1859) as cited in C. H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David, 3 vols. (reprinted; Peabody, Mass.: Henrickson Publishers, n.d.), 1/1:425.

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Leviticus

Obviously, I am enamored with the Book of Leviticus. In addition to the obvious fact that it is a major portion of Scripture and that, as one scholar said, it is the seed-bed of New Testament theology, I've been somewhat attached to Leviticus from the time I wrote my doctoral dissertation on Leviticus 26. Its title is "Leviticus 26: Its Relationship to Covenant Contexts and Concepts." It was submitted to the faculty of Grace Theological Seminary (Winona Lake, IN) in May 1981. Copies are in the libraries of Grace Theological Seminary and The Master's Seminary.

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Fishing

Often I'm asked where I go fishing. One of the most convenient year-round trout streams for fly fishing is the nearby Kern River upstream from Lake Isabella. A picture of me fishing that stream is positioned at the bottom of my old home page. The Kern River, however, is not my favorite fishing hole. A fisherman who reveals his favorite spot is a man who would betray his dearest friend's confidences. One old fisherman sent me handwritten instructions for finding his favorite stream. It is a gift of unspeakable trust that I'm convinced should not be followed up until he has gone to heaven. Besides, he stressed that I must walk a gauntlet of rattlesnakes to gain access to the best stretch of stream.

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